School of rock!

LOCAL charity, Harmony, has celebrated its first anniversary with a donation of 13 guitars to Melksham Oak School.

After arriving on the High Street a year ago, Harmony has been selling clothes, toys, books and bric-a-brac to raise money to support children in Melksham aged under 19, to learn about and enjoy music.

To mark the occasion of their first anniversary, Harmony visited Melksham Oak School last week to present staff and students with 13 guitars, which included acoustic, electric, classical and bass guitars.

About the donation, head of music, Emma Cypher-Neal said, “The students at The Oak will benefit hugely from this wonderful donation – students will now be able to practise guitar playing at break and lunch time and start their own ensembles up.

“So many comments have been made by the students already about how wonderful the instruments are, from Year 7 all the way up to Year 13 students, who are already established guitarists.

“The school will also be using the instruments later on in the academic year when the pupils form their own bands and perform pop songs.

“The music department would like to thank Harmony for their generous gift and are looking forward to working with the charity with performance opportunities.”

Prior to the visit to the school, Harmony held a first anniversary party at their charity shop on Saturday 2nd September, inviting people to come in and enjoy live music.

Head of retail for Harmony, Lianne Miller-Hall said, “I would like to say a big thank you to the Melksham Ukulele Club for their support and fantastic music. Also thanks to Richard Lewis, Pat Kirwan, Courtney Buchanan and Alan Pengelly for their support and fantastic music at the celebration.

“Also a big thank you to all staff, volunteers and customers for their support too as the last year would not have been possible without them. Finally, thank you to Mel Austin for his support too.”

Harmony charity shop at 24 High Street, is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9am until 4pm. For anyone wanting to drop off donations by car for the charity shop, Harmony has a parking space at the rear of the shop.